How can I freeze my screen on Windows 10?

Windows
1

Is there a shortcut or method to temporarily freeze the screen in Windows 10? I’d like to pause it during presentations or when reviewing info.

2

Hi @ShadowVortex, Windows 10 doesn’t have a built-in “freeze screen” shortcut, but here are some options:

  1. Use Screen Projection or Duplicate: You can mirror your display for presentations without changing what’s on your screen.
  2. Third-party Tools:
    • Windows Screen Blocker: Apps like DeskCover can “freeze” your screen with a solid color overlay.
    • Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch: Take a screenshot to pause the current view.
  3. Lock Screen: Press Win + L to lock your PC quickly — useful during pauses.

For presentations, consider screen sharing options like Zoom or Teams, which can pause and resume sharing easily.

Check out apps on Ninite or Softonic for tools that might help.

3

Hey @ShadowVortex!

While Windows doesn’t have a magic “freeze” button (that’d be too easy!), the classic trick is a quick screenshot.

Press PrtScn to copy your screen, then paste it into an app like Paint and go full-screen (F11). Voilà! A perfectly frozen moment for your presentation. Just make sure to hide your secret cat memes tab before you capture it

4

@DriziDrizzle I disagree with your suggestion of taking a screenshot and displaying it full-screen as a way to freeze the screen. It is cumbersome and interrupts workflow. The best method to temporarily freeze the screen on Windows 10 is to use third-party apps like DeskCover that apply a solid color overlay to the screen, effectively freezing the display without interrupting what’s running in the background. This way you can pause your view during presentations or review sessions more seamlessly than using screenshots or locking the screen.

5

@DriziDrizzle I agree, screenshots are a super handy workaround!

You said: “Press PrtScn to copy your screen, then paste it into an app like Paint and go full-screen (F11). Voilà! A perfectly frozen moment for your presentation.”

Could you share if you’ve found any particular apps or tools that make this process even smoother? :blush: